How To Take Care Of Hair Extensions?

Hair extensions offer a quick way to switch hairstyles. Whether you want to go short without cutting your hair or just want to rock some decent hairstyle with added volume, length, and elegance, these hair pieces have got your back. However, you must maintain them properly to make them last longer and make your investment worth it.

In this ultimate guide, we will dig deeper into the nitty-gritty details of hair extensions maintenance dos and don’ts. So, without any hesitation, let’s begin exploring!

Dos of Hair Extensions Maintenance

Here are some exclusive tips that you must keep in mind to ensure your hair extensions remain detangled, ready to wear, and shiny all the time!

1. Follow Washing Guidelines

Unlike natural hair, hair extensions don't receive nutrients and oils from the skin. So, you need to ensure they get all the desired nutrients and are hydrated well.

• This can be ensured by avoiding alcohol and sulfate-featuring shampoos. These ingredients strip the hair of its natural oils – making it much drier and more vulnerable to tangling or matting.
• Additionally, wash your extensions gently. Don’t rub them vigorously or dry them with a towel to prevent damage.
• Rinsing with cold water at the end can also help lock in some moisture.

2. Condition Like a Pro

Most hair specialists recommend conditioning hair extensions before and after hair washes to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.

When looking for one, prefer a nourishing leave-in conditioner. All you need to do is to spray the conditioner or apply it to your lengths in a downward motion.

Follow up by gentle brushing to remove tangles. Though conditioners are a must thing with extensions, don't overapply them. Excess of anything is bad; the same applies here. More nourishment will, in turn, make your hair dull and limp – causing it to tangle and get dirtier faster.

3. Brush Often to Prevent Tangling

According to hair stylists, brushing your hair extensions is as important as brushing your teeth every day.

So, whether you are going to wear your extensions or take them off your hair, brush them well to remove all those frustrating tangles.

A soft bristle brush can do wonders in preventing damage during the detangling process. Just grab it and begin detangling from ends, working your way up towards the top sections. Be as gentle as you can, as pulling forcefully will cause damage.

4. Avoid Heat Styling

Whether you wear synthetic hair or human hair extensions, heat styling tools, like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers, can cause significant heat damage.

However, you can prevent this by using heat-protectant products before styling and keeping the temperature low.

Aside from that, over-styling can also lead to damage over time. We know it feels tempting to try different hairstyles with extensions, but experimenting often, especially with heat styling tools, can reduce the life of your hair extensions.

You can stick with heatless hairstyles, like buns, braids, or ponytails, for extra care.

5. Store Properly

This is where most extension wearers lack. They don't have dedicated cases or bags to properly store their extensions. Well, if you are in the same boat, it's time to spend some bucks.

If you are on a low budget, get your hands on a silk or satin bag. Simple zip-lock plastic bags can also work. However, if you are willing to spend a fortune, get your hands on a dedicated extension storage case. It's a decent investment that keeps your hair detangled for a long time.

Before storing, ensure that your extensions are completely dry, cleaned properly, and are free from any sort of product buildup. Gentle combing before storage can also help maintain their shape and quality.

6. Be Cautious When Sleeping with Extensions

• When sleeping with hair extensions, prefer wearing loose braids or ponytails. You can also try other hairstyles which make you feel comfortable.
• However, don’t keep your hair open or completely loose, as it will end up all tangled, as you move your head when sleeping.
• Moreover, use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce damage by rubbing on it. These will prevent matting and frizz by reducing friction.
• Lastly, avoid sleeping with wet hair. As mentioned earlier, hair extensions are more prone to damage when completely wet or dry. So, prefer drying your hair extensions or taking them off before going to bed.

Check the video on how to sleep with straight hair extensions.

7. Prevent Shedding with These Tips and Tricks

Most people think that reduced brushing will prevent shedding, but that's not actually the case. You must brush your extensions often – gently, of course – to prevent tangles.

Shedding can be prevented in other effective ways:

• For instance, brush your hair before washing it or only when it is 90% dry. It's because hair is most prone to breakage when wet. 
• Dryness can also be the reason behind shedding. So, avoid using alcohol and sulfate-containing shampoos and conditioners. Rather, shift to moisturizing alternatives.
• Additionally, style your hair at a low heat setting, say 120C or 250F, as the higher the temperature exposure you give to your extensions, the more damage they will experience.

8. Apply High-Quality Hair Products

Always use high-quality products, even on your hair extensions. That might sound interesting but keeping your extensions moisturized is the key to making them last longer.

• So, apply hair oil your extensions regularly – begin from mid-shaft and work towards ends for optimal application.
• Hair masks once or twice a month can also be a great tool to ensure your extensions are getting their usual moisture dose.
• Professional heat styling products, like setting sprays, can also be used on extensions. However, less is always more to ensure no damage.
• Moreover, heat and UV protectants are available in the market to prevent burns and discoloring during heat exposure. All these products will help you offer essential nutrients to your hair extensions and prevent damage.

Don’ts of Hair Extensions Maintenance

By now, you have explored the basics of working with hair extensions. However, there are also some don’t that you must consider to prevent hair damage, shedding, and breakage.

1. Don’t Apply Silicone-Based Products

Don’t overuse silicone-based products. Silicone is typically featured in several detangling products and triggers dryness. So, when looking for haircare products, look for the ingredients and avoid those with ingredients ending in "one," like "dimethicone".

2. Don’t Apply Protein Products

Hair extensions are normally infused with proteins. So, don’t overdo them with additional protein layering.

3. Don’t Color Your Extensions

Don't color your extensions; instead, get them in various colors or get them done by a professional. In a bid to color them at home, you will only cause damage. At first, it might look like something worked out, but later on, your extension will experience breakage.

4. Don't Wash or Blow-Dry Your Hair Upside Down

Blow-drying hair upside down is one of the most effortless and in-trend techniques for getting those curly ends. However, this can cause frizz and a dull appearance in hair extensions.

5. Don’t Avoid Professional Maintenance

If you have semi-permanent extensions, like sew-ins or tape-ins – don't skip professional maintenance. Regular salon visits will ensure your extension is getting the care it needs.

6. Don’t Expose Extensions to Chlorine and Saltwater

If you are a swimmer, you must not land in the ocean without protection. It’s because ocean water contains chlorine and can cause your extensions to become dry and brittle.

7. Don’t Leave Your Hair Open When Sleeping

If you have semi-permanent extensions, tie your hair back into a ponytail or bun before sleep or intense physical exercise. This will help prevent tangles and creases by reducing friction. Additionally, it reduces strain on your natural hair, ensuring your comfort.

FAQs

How can I keep my hair healthy while wearing extensions?

Keeping your scalp clean, moisturizing your hair, minimizing heat styling, and selecting an extension that matches your hair type are some of the most important things to keep your hair healthy when wearing extensions.

How long do hair extensions last?

If properly cared for, these hair pieces can last you six to eight weeks. Note that this span varies depending on the type of hair extension, the amount of care you put into maintaining them, and how often you wear them.

How often should I oil my extensions?

Oiling once a week would be enough in most cases. For personalized advice, you can consult with hair specialists, as they will analyze the extension type and your lifestyle for better advice.

Is it OK to wear hair extensions every day?

Yes! With proper care and maintenance, you can comfortably wear your hair extensions every day.

Wrapping It Up!

Hair extensions are must-haves for those looking to change their looks without cutting their natural hair or damaging them. You can heat style them with caution and ensure they retain that impressive shine with the right maintenance tips. That said, we hope this guide was helpful, as it featured all exclusive tips and tricks that one can consider for optimal maintenance. Hope you find this info worth reading. Stay tuned for more.